JCDS, Boston's Jewish Community Day School

Earlier today, JCDS 4th-8th graderswere captivated by “Herzl – The Dream That Came True,” an engaging one-man show featuring the talented Israeli actor Amichai Pardo from the acclaimed Orna Porat Children’s Theatre. Herzl's most famous quote stands as a testament to his tenacity: “If you will it, it is no dream.” ?? ???? ??? ?? ???? Im tirtzu ein zo agadah. Our students witnessed Herzl's journey from childhood to adolescence and into adulthood, highlighting his pivotal role as a journalist during the Dreyfus Trial in Paris—an experience that profoundly shaped his worldview. With a blend of humor and insightful storytelling, Pardo delved into the foundations and evolution of Zionism, the establishment of the Jewish state in Israel, and reinforcing the vision of a better Israel. As Amichai reflected, this performance offered our students the opportunity to think about their future: “It is about making [students] consider their future as individuals, as part of the Jewish community, as part of the Jewish people and the Jewish state.”

Mazal Tov to Oksana Glouchko and Jess Mu?oz on the in-school Bar Mitzvah of Gio! Avi Minder, 5th Grade Advisor and Humanities Teacher and 6th English Teacher, shared anecdotes that highlight Gio’s compassion, courage, and determination: “You’re fun-loving, always quick with a smile or a laugh, and you have this amazing ability to brighten everyone’s day with your genuine energy. [...] Gio, may you carry your warmth, bravery, and grit as you continue to grow into the strong, compassionate young man you are becoming.”

Kitat Oren (1st Grade), Kitat Arava (2nd Grade), and JCDS staff had a fabulous time on their field trip to the Boston Public Library for the Adam Theatre's production of the award-winning children's book, Library Lion, written by Michelle Knudson and illustrated by Kevin Hawkes! With artistic director Ran Bechor, this was a captivating musical production with an amazing 3-person Jim Henson puppet of a lion. This meaningful children's book explored many Jewish values, including whether rules are always meant to be followed and when it might be okay to break the rules, Hakarat Hatov (gratitude), Pikuach Nefesh (saving a soul or life), and JCDS' Habits of Mind and Heart including Curiosity, Empathy, Integrity, and Problem-Solving. And students enjoyed a post-musical workshop where they made their own lion puppets! This field trip was possible through a Just Imagine grant from the Beker Family Foundation, and we are just so grateful to have had this opportunity!

In their Comparative Religions T'fillah elective on Wednesday, Middle School students practiced Kolam with Geetha Raju from the Hindu Cultural Society of Massachusetts. Kolam is a form of Hindu meditation using sand art, done by women in India. Traditionally, Hindu women get up before dawn to create these Kolam designs on their front steps. Each day, they sweep the design away and begin again.

Shira Deener, Head of School at JCDS, Boston's Jewish Community Day School, shares a framework for preparing students for a complex world by cultivating specific mindsets (Habits of Mind and Heart). https://lnkd.in/eSM-wNdc

We had an amazing time on Sunday at Blue Hills Chickatawbut Loop with the inaugural expedition as part of JCDS' Family Hiking Club! 40 students, parents, and alumni enjoyed spending time together in the great New England outdoors. Thanks to JCDS Community Liaison, Teacher, and Parent Uri Offenbacher, and JCDS Alumni Parent and noted biologist Jon Regosin (P'09 & '13), we tested our climbing skills. We also learned how to identify trees by their fallen leaves, rare mushrooms such as Chicken of the Woods, and endangered plant species including Lesser Snakeroot. We can't wait for the next hike on November 3rd

Yesterday, Kitat Arava (2nd Grade) celebrated International Dot Day today, on the 21st anniversary of the publishing of The Dot by Peter H. Reynolds, a story about Bravery, Creativity, and Perseverance, one of the JCDS Habits of Mind and Heart. The celebration was a culmination of their short author study, which included reading, discussing, and making artwork, and writing about three of Reynolds' books: The Dot, Ish, and Sky Color. The class celebrated by wearing clothing with dots and dot pins and handing out dot stickers to anyone at JCDS wearing any kind of dot – from a button to a big polka-dot sweater! The class participated in three dot-themed stations which included making human dots, making dot artwork, and playing a collaborative game of Twister! Students also celebrated with a viewing of the short film The Dot.

Yesterday, Kitat Erez (3rd Grade) & Kitat Alon (4th Grade) gathered in the Sifriyah for a special visit from Dori Weinstein, author of the YaYa & YoYo book series. With active student participation and an engaging presence, Dori spoke about the writing process from inspiration to publication, the power of a writer to create and write by their own rules, and why she chose to write fiction for elementary-aged students with Jewish content and characters. With 4 books published so far, the YaYa & YoYo 12-book series will cover a full calendar year, intertwining Jewish holidays, life-cycle events, and other experiences with Jewish values. She invited students to craft their own stories about Rosh Hashanah and asked them to share their work with her. We can't wait to read our students' writing! Learn more about Dori Weinstein and the YaYa & YoYo book series here: https://yayayoyo.com/

Mazal Tov to Shirah Rubin and Bret Ancowitz on the in-school Bat Mitzvah of Hadara! Jo-Ann Figueroa, Director of Learning Services, shared how Hadara emulates JCDS' core values, R.O.C.K. Respectful, Open, Curious, & Kind. On being "Open," Jo-Ann commented, "Hadara, I am constantly inspired by your willingness to approach difficult situations with sincerity and care. Your friends are truly fortunate to have someone like you—a friend who not only remains open to everyone’s perspectives but also strives to protect their feelings. Your objective wisdom is like a clear mirror; reflecting the truth without personal influences."

All-School Recess on Friday was so much fun with JCDS Run Club, 4 square, 9 square, and a joyful time together! Todah Rabah ???? to JCDS parents and friends for freezer pops. Students and staff enjoyed the refreshing treat to cool off and recharge!